Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind: ‘Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?’” vss. 1-2
Job 38:1-3
According to the book bearing his name Job is a righteous man who loses his health, property, and family as the result of an inexplicable test prompted by Satan and approved by God. In spite of his blameless life he endures horrible suffering, and then to top it off, his friends suggest that he has brought all this misfortune on himself. They urge him to confess his failings, which he refuses to do. In the course of their conversations all manner of ideas about God and suffering are suggested by Job and his supposed friends. Finally, God is fed up and speaks from the whirlwind, “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?” The scene describes an occasion that we continue to experience regularly. Invariably when people are struck with incurable illnesses, horrible suffering, or some other calamity, observers seem compelled to offer advice and direction, much of which is misguided and uninformed, especially that which has been gathered from internet sources! Often there are no reasons for suffering, diseases seem to attack randomly, and we just can’t get our “why” questions answered. The beginning of knowledge is to acknowledge ignorance and focus on compassion and love. Suffering people may not always get answers, but they can always use lots of hugs.
Thought for the Day: What have I needed in my suffering?
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